As iOS 17 gears up for its release, one of its standout features is the incorporation of offline maps in Apple Maps. This addition empowers users to download map regions beforehand, enabling navigation even in the absence of Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
Though Apple Maps might have been a few steps behind Google Maps in this aspect, its implementation of offline maps is praiseworthy. What’s more, the feature showcases Apple’s commitment to innovation and user experience. Notably, the offline map feature demonstrates impressive intelligence by suggesting users download maps in advance, particularly when navigating to areas with weak cellular signals.
A Reddit user, u/freaktheclown, first noticed this feature, which has been confirmed to work in the latest iOS 17 beta versions.
Here’s how it works: When planning a route on an iPhone running iOS 17, Apple Maps takes a proactive approach. It analyzes the cell service strength along your selected route. If it anticipates poor cellular reception en route, the route options screen will include a link encouraging you to download an offline map for the area you’ll be traveling through.
This means that users won’t find themselves lost in an unfamiliar area just because they lack network connectivity. However, the exact criteria Apple Maps uses to determine when to prompt this “limited service” warning isn’t entirely clear. It could be based on data collected from other Apple Maps users or may be influenced by regional considerations. Currently, it seems to be visible for certain areas like US national parks, but it’s conceivable that its availability will expand over time.
Once downloaded, managing your collection of offline maps is straightforward. Simply tap on your profile picture within the Maps app. The beauty of this feature is that Apple Maps ensures the downloaded maps stay up-to-date by periodically updating them with the latest point-of-interest (POI) information and cartography. This automated process guarantees that your maps never become outdated.
Additionally, if your paired iPhone is nearby, you can access your downloaded maps on your Apple Watch as well.
Among other enhancements coming with iOS 17, Apple Maps will better serve electric vehicle (EV) owners. Real-time availability information for charging spaces will be integrated, with support for notable networks like Tesla Supercharger, Chargepoint, and Electrify America. This update underscores Apple’s dedication to providing a comprehensive and user-friendly navigation experience for all users.
